Snaps from Seoul

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Just before our early morning flight to Malaysia (we spent a week on the Perhenetian Islands for our summer holidays here) we spent the night in the capital of South Korea, Seoul.

 Here are a few iPhone snaps of here and there (including a few of the Dog Cafe we visited...click here if you missed the post!).

Washi Tape {Giveaway} CLOSED

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As hinted last week, I am very excited to be hosting a giveaway today of lovely washi tape goodies from Sarah at Polkadot & Stripe. 

There are literally hundreds of different ways to use washi tape, and here is your chance to get crafty with your own supply of 5 pretty rolls of washi tape and a lovely wooden washi tape dispenser.

To enter, use the giveaway button below. You can enter through a variety of methods to make things easy for you, and each method is another entry. Good luck!

{I am using trying out a new giveaway platform called Punchtab for this giveaway. Please let me know if you are having any problems with it. There are many ways to gain extra entries ie leaving a comment/following me on facebook/sharing with your friends. It should walk you through each step and be very user friendly. Please do let me know if you have any problems!)

Good luck!

x

Competition closes Friday 30th August. 

{Please note this giveaway is only open to South African readers}

1. Cake Bunting // 2. Power Adaptor // 3. Journals // 4. Glass decal // 5. Tea light candles // 6. Cookies

Smitten with Forever21

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We don't have anything like Forever21 in South Africa. I mean Typo, Topshop, Forever New (and H&M soon!) have hit South Africa's sunny shores and while those stores are lovely, they just don't have anything on Forever21.

I mean, look at all this pretty?!

There was definitely a lot of punk, rock and lumo in the branch I went into here in Seoul, South Korea. But what made my heart go pitter patter was all the pink and the pearl. 

Soft, sweet and feminine. 

Just lovely. 

{Un}Luckily for me I live about a 5 hour journey from the closest Forever 21 so I had to load up on goodies and will have to wait a {long} time before I step foot in there again. And with the huge sale going on, I was able to go a little girl crazy and still have enough for a Baskin and Robbins ice-cream on the way home...oh sale time I do love you!

What colour accessories are you into at the moment?

{Nail Art} class with my school girls

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Farmboy and I are teaching English in South Korea. We up and left our cosy little lives in Pietermaritzburg in June 2013, and headed back to Asia to make our millions and of course travel the world! 

Farmboy teaches at five schools, two of which are on an island...Crazy stuff! But, every day is different and exciting. He teaches at both elementary and middle schools. I am at one school, an all girls middle school. At first I was really nervous to start teaching the girls, I am after all, foundation phase trained and loved teaching my little kiddies. But after my first day I am convinced God has put us in these different situations for his gain. All our schools suit our different personalities and talents in just the right way.

Besides, now I get to teach English classes like this one:

{DIY} Washi Tape your computer cord

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DIY Washi Tape Your Laptop Charger and Cables CityGirlSearching

I'm feeling rather inspired with my latest washi tape collection, and after reading this lovely post by Design Love Fest I thought I'd try something similar with the power supply part of my computer cable. 

The white parts of the MAC cables look really spiffy, but being white in colour they aren't very practical. The washi tape should keep the power house clean now.

It was really easy, and took literally 3 minutes to do. Let me know if you try something similar, or better yet, upload a picture to the blog Facebook page  to share with all my readers. 

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

x

CityGirlSearching Photography

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Hello friends! 

I am now available for freelance photography work. I am currently based in South Korea and so will only be able to photograph locally here for the time being.

Here are a few photographs I've taken at weddings/engagement shoots or while out and about having adventures. If you would like to see more, please click here to see my Facebook page!

Feel free to drop me a line for my rates and packages. I look forward to hearing from you.

xxx

{Dog Cafe} in Seoul, South Korea

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Dog cafe in seoul South Korea

Many of our friends who have heard our tales of South Korea will do a double take when reading the title of this post...so let me quickly clarify! Dog (and cat) cafe's are playgrounds for furry friends to meet new people while giving us a chance to play with creatures we might not normally come across or be able to keep at home.

Here in South Korea space is limited, people live in sky rise apartments, and so are only able to keep small pets (the most popular being rabbits, hamsters, lizards and beetles!). At these animal cafe's, you stroll in, order yourself a yummy beverage, and get petting. 

Here are some snaps of our first experience with a Dog Cafe, in Seoul.

Don't let the sad eyes fool you! These pups are happy chappies in their home, they get attention all day everyday, and when they're not googoo eyeing you they are fast asleep. What a life!

This cafe is called Sunnyne, here is the address if you're in Seoul and want to pop by:

16, Yanghwa-ro 18an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 

서울특별시 마포구 양화로18안길 16 (동교동)

>>>here is the link for their website (it's only in Korean but gives you a good idea of the place).

Open from 10am to 10pm, and on the second floor. Just look out for the bright yellow signs.

More Pet Cafes in Korea
Racoon Cafe in Seoul, South Korea - Blind Alley Cafe
개 편한 세상 Dog Cafe & Dog Hotel in Gunsan South Korea
{Cat Cafe} in Seoul, South Korea

The Perhentian Islands {Malaysia}

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Here are some of the highlights of our incredible holiday in Malaysia. We landed in Kuala Lumpur and speedily made our way straight to the Perhentian Islands on the East coast of mainland Malaysia.

These are my photographs of our trip, from our afternoon in Kuala Lumpur, to the Islands, and to the incredible market in Khota Bharu. Later this week I'll try and post Farmboys photographs too.

For information on getting there, where we stayed and other useful travel info, head on over to our travel blog Farmboy & Citygirl where I'll have a post up soon on the nitty gritty of our trip.

Enjoy

x

Anna Inghardt Photography

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Lately I have been developing a deep appreciation for film photography. There is something special about film. Although the film effect can be reproduced through various editing programs, the feel of holding your very own roll of film, patiently waiting to get them developed, and finally holding the finished photographs in your hands is something that digital just can't beat. 

I'm not sure if these images from the very talented Swedish photographer Anna Inghardt were taken on film, but they do have the light and whimsical feel associated with it. 

I am in love with each and every one. 

Do you like the white on white colours? How do you feel about the grainy texture? Do they make you want to whip our your camera, find some white percale linen and get snapping as much as I do?

x

I'm back!

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Farmboy and I have just settled back into our little apartment after an incredible week in Malaysia. 2 flights, 3 taxis, 2 buses, 1 subway & copious amounts of walking...we finally touched back down on Korean soil this afternoon...what a journey home, I'm shattered!

I can't wait to share the photographs with all of you, and let you know what it was like. Here are a few instagram snaps until I get editing. I hope you are all having a wonderful relaxing weekend.

x

All of these photographs were taken with my iPhone, and most were edited with the wonderful #ABeautifulMess app. Click here to find out more about more about it.

{b}logging off for a week

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I hope you are all enjoying the eighth month of the year. As I'm sure you're all thinking, this year has truly flown by...next month hubby and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary, I can't believe it. It's all gone incredibly fast and I love him more and more each day. How he puts up with all my nonsense ill never know, but I'm so glad he does :)

We are spending the night in the fashion capital of the world, Seoul, before catching an early flight to Malaysia tomorrow....eek! So excited! We are heading to the Perhentian Islands for our summer holiday here in Korea.

I won't be on the blog until we get back, and I'm looking forward to some quality time away from all the social media (although you might catch the odd instagram pic here and there if you follow along @roxypearce that is if we manage to score any wifi).

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and a good start to the end of the year.

x

Here's our new headgear for next week :)

TheFaceShop ~ Oil Cut Sun Cream {review}

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Oh what a wonderful find here in South Korea. This suncream from my favourite South Korean cosmetic brand, The FaceShop, works like a charm on my combination to oily skin. In the 100% humidity, it is still vital to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But layering on a whole bunch of products usually leaves me looking like an oil slick once I head out the door.

The 'oil cut' range of sun care from The FaceShop takes care of that for me. It sets all my skin care products (I am still loving this Chia Seed range of skincare I bought a few weeks ago) and is the perfect base for makeup. With an SPF of 40, not only does it protect my face, but it prevents my skin from becoming shiny throughout the day. It is seriously long lasting, and I mean its a real Long Wearing product, you really have to cleanse your skin to remove all traces of it. This suits me just fine as I know that even with the humidity, I'm not going to be sweating it off. 

I do apologize for all the sweaty talk, but unfortunately, no matter how glamorous us Westerners here in South Korea may start out the day looking, within the 10 minute walk to school I am reduced to a hot, sticky mess, complete with frizzy hair, and rosy red cheeks. At least I won't have any wrinkles to add to the mix...

x

Have you tried any other great suncreams? I have heard good thing about Innisfree and Neutrogena too. 

Pretty in Pink, Cream, Lavender & Mint

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We have been here in South Korea for just over a month now and are slowly starting to settle into small town life. We've met a great bunch of other teachers, found some local food that I can eat and actually start to crave at every meal, and found that the beach is only a 30 minute bus ride away.

What we haven't gotten used to however, is the 100% humidity...all day...all night. We are dreading our electricity bill for this month as our aircon has become our new bff. 

This week I'm attempting a hair cut at a local salon (although I use the term 'salon' very loosely to describe the hairdressers here). 

Wish me luck!

x

A few snaps through Instagram (@roxypearce). I'm really into my pastels and creams at the moment, can you tell?

Teachers Workshop {South Korea}

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Last week the eight of us English Teachers here in Buan, South Korea headed to the city of Jeonju for a workshop/day out. We were taken to a studio where we got to decorate our own tradition Korean fans, taken on a tour of the old portraits of the Kings, toured a gorgeous vintage camera museum and finally out for a lovely dinner. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Here are a few snaps of the day (don't you love Farmboy's caterpillar fan?)

Watercolour Inspiration...

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Lately, I have been feeling very inspired by local South African blogger Fathima over at {HappiessIs}. Her illustrations are beautiful, her freelance design work is oogle worthy, and her doodles are just so gosh darn cute. You should pop on over to her blog and say hi!

Here are a few of my Pinterest pins from my {inspiration} board. I am in a crafty mood, and seeing as South Korea seems to be the heart of all things stationery, I am contemplating getting myself a set of watercolour paints and just going bananas. 

Well, until something starts to resemble art :) 

Do you like watercolour paintings/drawings/illustrations? Ever tried to paint anything yourself?

Growing your own beautiful, strong nails

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After posting this photograph  on Instagram I received a number of questions from ladies asking me how I get such 'nice' nails. I've never really thought about my nails very much until now. I mean, I always have them looking neat or painted in a pretty colour, but when it comes to achieving long, strong nails, well then I'm no expert. All I can do is tell you what I do, and then you can try it out and let me know if you get results.

First I have to tell you, although you may not believe me from looking at these photographs, but I used to be a biter. Not a dainty little nibble here and there nail biter, but a proper when-I-chew-all-thats-left-behind-are-stumps-flayed-cuticles kind of biter. So how did I get my nails to look like they do now? Whats my secret? Well, to be honest, I don't have one. Instead of spending a fortune on supplements and OPI nail treatments and manicures and the latest cuticle oil and hand creams, I started eating lots of yogurt. The chocolate chip kind. An increase in dairy for my little body, meant a huge increase in calcium, leading to stronger nails. I used to have a nasty habit of rubbing my nails over my teeth until they would become so weak, they would inevitable break and peel. Then I would just bite them as they looked so terrible anyway and so the vicious circle began. When my body started to respond to the huge injections of calcium two or three times a day, my nails started to grow, little by little. Even a little bit of nail looks better than stubby fingers. Slowly,  my nails were given a chance to strengthen and lengthen. No amount of funny tasting 'bite proof' nail polish could help, and no amount of bribery from my poor mom could get me to kick the nasty habit. It was the good old choc chip yogurt that finally did the trick.

So now that's the growing part done, how about the strengthening part...

Whenever I apply polish, I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a base coat on my nails. It doesn't matter the brand (although I have always loved Rimmels Stronger Double Duty base coat ~ click here). Even if its a clear nail polish colour if you don't have a specified base coat on hand, use it! Applying a base coat not only helps to lengthen the life of your nail colour, but its protects your nail bed from the chemicals inside all nail polish. This means you won't be left with yucky yellow stained nails too.

Then, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS apply a top coat. Not only does a top coat seal in your colour, but it prevents your nail polish from chipping. Your manicure will last longer, you wont be tempted to fiddle with pretty looking nails, and your nails will be protected everyday wear and tear we subject our hands to. 

Lastly, I keep a cuticle oil on my bedside table and rub it in whenever I remember to (I am quite fond of Sally Hansen Vitamin E & cuticle oil which you can pick up for R80 at Clicks & Dischem in South Africa). Keeping your cuticles soft and moisturized can help strengthen your nails.

Lastly, make sure you take care of your hands. Your nails are a lot more fragile than our hands, but get subjected to a lot of rough treatment everyday. Wear gloves when you wash the dishes, use a mild cleansing soap when you wash your hands, massage your cuticles when rubbing in hand cream, and drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy and hydrated.

I have tried hair, skin and nail supplements before, but to be perfectly honest really saw no results. You might have better luck, but they can be pretty pricey and if you aren't looking after the actual nail bed by wearing a base coat, using cuticle oil and wearing hand cream, you're probably undoing the internal benefits of them.

Anyway, I hope you find this helpful. Please know that I'm no expert, and am merely sharing my personal experiences with you. Do drop me a comment if you know any more tricks and secrets for growing beautiful string nails.

xxx

A day at the Beach in Korea

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Beaches here in South Korea just cannot be compared to the beaches back home in South Africa, or to the incredible tropical paradises in the rest of South East Asia. But when temperatures are reaching 35C and the humidity is at 100%, the only thing you want to do is immerse yourself in cold water that isn't your shower or in the bath tub. 

A short 30 minute bus ride from our sleepy little town of Buan lies the town of Gyeokpo. Is is in the south-west corner of South Korea (click here for a map) and despite the stares from the Koreans for all the bare skin we were showing, the beach was semi-private and we had a little stretch of wet sand to ourselves.

There is a small convenience store at the bus stop in Gyeokpo where you can load up on supplies (drinks/beers and other treats) and then it's a 5 minute walk to the sandy shores. There aren't many places in Korea where you can actually swim, and we all really enjoyed the mini waves and refreshing salt water on our skin. Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area.